More Than One-Third of Professionals in Canada Know Someone Who's Skipped Work the Day After a Major Sports Event

• Calling in sick or making an excuse for not going to the office following a big game is the top distracting behaviour

TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2019 /CNW/ - Employee absenteeism after major sports events like the Super Bowl is on the rise, suggests new research from staffing firm OfficeTeam. More than one-third of professionals (37 per cent) know someone who's called in sick or made an excuse for skipping work following a big game. In a separate survey, senior managers identified playing hooky the day after (46 per cent) as the most distracting or annoying employee behaviour when it comes to sports, a 24-point jump from a similar survey in 2017. 

Sports hurting productivity at your workplace? (CNW Group/OfficeTeam)

Workers were asked, "Do you know anyone who's called in sick or made an excuse for skipping work the day after a sporting event, such as the Super Bowl?" Their responses:

Yes	37%
No	63%
	100%

Senior managers were asked, "Which of the following is the most distracting or annoying employee behaviour when it comes to major sporting events?" Their responses:

Calling in sick or making an excuse for skipping work the day after	46%
Spending too much time talking sports	18%
Showing up the day after tired or under the weather	18%
Being a poor sport or overly competitive	12%
Overdoing it with team decorations or attire	6%
	100%

"While it's easy to get swept up in the excitement of major sports events, employees need to anticipate their game-day activities and plan ahead to ensure it doesn't interfere with their work," said Koula Vasilopoulos, a district director for OfficeTeam. "By requesting time off in advance, adhering to company guidelines for fan attire or decorations and saving game discussions for their breaks, workers can still get into the spirit without impacting productivity."

Added Vasilopoulos "Employers may want to consider easing up on their staff following a big event by offering flexible scheduling and organizing friendly contests or group celebrations, which can help build team camaraderie, and encourage greater engagement overall."

About the Research
The online surveys were developed by OfficeTeam and conducted by independent research firms. They include responses from more than 1,000 workers 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments in Canada and more than 600 senior managers at companies with 20 or more employees in Canada.

About OfficeTeam
OfficeTeam, a Robert Half company, is the nation's leading staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled office and administrative support professionals. The company has 300 locations worldwide. For additional information, visit roberthalf.ca/officeteam. Follow roberthalf.ca/blog for career and management advice.

SOURCE OfficeTeam

Natasha Ferraro, 647-956-5575, [email protected]